According to Chrysler, minivans are gaining popularity with the Millennials. But for those of us who grew up with these family-hauling workhorses, we already got the memo decades ago. Those splendid sliding doors, the long wheelbase, flat-folding rear seats, massive cargo space for pretty much anything — all things you can’t effectively replace with a glossy, three-row, full-size SUV.
For 2027, the Pacifica isn’t a full redesign, still in its 6th-generation since 2017. But this latest model receives refreshed styling, improved tech, and, above all, a significant price reduction on what is already the top-selling minivan on the market, making it an even more compelling offer for families who crave cargo space, utility, and value over the silly stigma of owning a minivan.
Performance and Driving Impressions
- Engine: 3.6-litre Pentastar V6
- Horsepower: 287 hp
- Torque: 262 lb-ft
- Transmission: Nine-speed TorqueFlite automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive; AWD available depending on trim and market
The same 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 carries over from 2026, paired to the nine-speed automatic transmission. We spent the day with this top-trim 2027 Pacifica Pinnacle trim, from the open highways to the narrower, windier roads around the beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake region.
The V6 gives this family mover adequate get-up-and-go, fulfilling its purpose without exceeding expectations; the 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque move the new Pacifica with reasonable urgency, and really, that’s reasonable enough in our view. The four-wheel independent suspension keeps the ride composed and relatively car-like, while the well-isolated cabin suits the Pacifica’s relaxed, family-first character.
“Fortunately, Chrysler didn’t mess with the formula here, they simply made fitting improvements where they count.”
With the available Trailer Tow Group, the Pacifica can tow up to 3,600 pounds (1,632 kg), giving it enough muscle to haul small campers and recreational toys to the lake or weekend retreat.
An All-Wheel Drive Minivan For The Win
Chrysler says all-wheel drive is the top purchase reason amongst UV and minivan buyers, and for good reason. It’s a game-changer for families on the go, especially those racing to the rink or soccer practice during the winter months. In the U.S., AWD remains optional on Select, Limited and Pinnacle, while the entry-level LX is front-wheel-drive only, which also keeps the price down. In Canada, all-wheel drive is available on Select and Limited and standard on the Pinnacle we tested here.
Related – 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Review: Part 1 of 2
Interior: Subtle Premium Touches
Inside, the general layout and design remain unchanged from 2026. Chrysler did, however, make several cosmetic upgrades, including a new Satin Chrome wing badge on the steering wheel and, on Pinnacle models, a richer Blue Agave Nappa leather interior with Parquet-pattern perforations, copper-coloured stitching and warmer metallic accents.
The biggest cabin-tech upgrade for 2027 is the new turn signal-activated Blind-spot View, which displays a live camera feed on the centre touchscreen when the indicator is engaged. It’s a bit invasive when you’re using navigation and following on-screen directions, especially at those critical junctions and intersections, where the screen is fully hijacked by the live view. But it’s easy enough to turn off, and it was very helpful when making lane changes on the speedy highway next to 18-wheelers, providing a quick view of that blind spot. It’s familiar tech we’ve seen before, but one that absolutely belongs on a family minivan.
Beyond the new finishes and tech, the 2027 Pacifica still nails the everyday family stuff, with flexible Stow ’n Go seating, an available built-in Stow ’n Vac vacuum, FamCAM interior monitoring and rear-seat entertainment designed to make life with kids (and your in-laws) a little easier.
Related – 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Review: Part 2 of 2
Styling: Big Wheels, Sharper Looks
Arguably, the Pacifica has always been the best-looking minivan of the bunch (a close tie with the equally stylish Toyota Sienna). Now, it’s even sleeker, with the entire front end reworked with a sharper fascia, vertical LED headlamps, and a new illuminated grille framed by Chrysler’s “piano key” lighting elements. A redesigned wing badge now anchors the look, giving the Pacifica a cleaner, more modern face that also previews the design direction of future Chrysler models.
The outgoing 2026 Pacifica’s front design compared to the new 2027 update:
The new open grill below and slimmer look up top makes an impact, and the lighting upgrade is a major level-up — at night, you know it’s a Pacifica. Add to the styling mix a choice of three 20-inch wheels designs, a rarity in the segment.
The changes are less dramatic elsewhere, but new wheel designs, an updated rear lightbar applique and fresh colours (including Olive Green) help bring the rest of the van along. Limited and Pinnacle models also add a welcome animation that lights the badge, grille and corner elements in sequence, which gives the Pacifica a surprisingly more upscale vibe.
Takeaway
Pros
- Sharper, progressive new front-end design
- Price reduction on 2027 models
- More premium interior from cosmetic upgrades
Cons
- Adequate power, little excitement
- Top trim Pinnacle can get pricey
- Patented Stow n’ Go is brilliant, but seats are less padded
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” makes sense. The Pacifica is already North America’s best-selling minivan, going strong for four decades now, and proudly built out of the Windsor, Ontario plant in Canada. Fortunately, Chrysler didn’t mess with the formula here; they simply made fitting improvements where they count. From the major front-end redesign and larger wheel choices to the interior cosmetic upgrades and new tech, including Blind-Spot View.
All that said, pricing may have been Chrysler’s biggest hurdle. Families spending north of $60K on a large family vehicle may just opt for a sexier full-size SUV instead, especially if towing capacity is a factor. Based on my chats with families, that’s been the consensus. Now, with the 2027 Pacifica’s lower starting prices, added features, and, dare we say, progressive, stylish looks, the minivan may just be back in vogue. But we already knew that.
Reduced 2027 Pacifica Pricing Tables:
U.S. Pricing:
| Model | Before Reduction | New 2027 MSRP | Price Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacifica LX FWD | $41,495 | $41,495 | No change |
| Pacifica Select FWD | $44,545 | $43,545 | $1,000 |
| Pacifica Select AWD | $47,890 | $46,540 | $1,350 |
| Pacifica Limited FWD | $49,705 | $47,995 | $1,710 |
| Pacifica Limited AWD | $53,050 | $50,990 | $2,060 |
| Pacifica Pinnacle FWD | $54,910 | $54,910 | No change |
| Pacifica Pinnacle AWD | $58,255 | $57,905 | $350 |
These U.S. figures compare Chrysler’s originally announced 2027 prices with its subsequently reduced 2027 prices, not necessarily 2026 versus 2027. U.S. prices exclude the $1,995 destination charge, taxes, title and fees.
Canada Pricing:
| Model | Before Reduction | New 2027 Price | Price Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrysler Grand Caravan | $49,995 | $49,995 | No change |
| Chrysler Pacifica Select FWD | $57,195 | $52,995 | $4,200 |
| Chrysler Pacifica Select AWD | $62,195 | $57,995 | $4,200 |
| Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD | $71,195 | $63,995 | $7,200 |
| Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle AWD | $80,195 | $72,995 | $7,200 |
All Canadian prices include the $2,195 destination charge and additional fees.
